I biked out Broad Street after work this evening to the Columbus Foundation for their annual community meeting. My good friends, Doug Kridler and Lisa Courtice, work there and have been very supportive of the cycling community. Earlier this year the Columbus Foundation awarded a $300,000 grant to Consider Biking to support our "2 by 2012" program which aims to get CBus citizens biking to work and school at least 2 days per month by the city's bicentennial in 2012. We're well on our way to this goal thanks to the Foundation's support.
The place was packed. They gave me my nametag and pointed me to the bar. I walked awkwardly down the hall in my biking shoes and asked the bartender for water--I downed 2 glasses and grabbed a third and headed to the main hall for the program.
I have biked to the Columbus Foundation on many occasions and they have always made me feel welcome even though I'm in my biking clothes--spandex shorts and biking jersey. Tonight I ran into several friends who know that I bike everywhere and they came up to razz me. Wearing spandex to a coat and tie affair is always a good ice breaker. I met a woman who told me her husband had recently met me and as a result of my haranguing had started biking and had already lost 12 pounds. Wow! I'm sure there are folks that don't approve of my informality, but in 8 years of showing up in spandex no one has ever said anything to me to make me feel uncomfortable or unwelcome.
During the short program we learned about the cutting edge programs that recently have been initiated by the Foundation. Many folks would be surprised to know that the Columbus Foundation is one of the largest community foundations in the world. Turns out ours is a community of world class philanthropists. And the base is very broad. The average gift to the Foundation last year was $19,000--this was bigger than New York City and most other American cities.
There were well over 100 people in attendance and not quite enough chairs for everyone, so I stood in the back of the room with some of the Foundation staff. Then came the time for the awards. Mid Ohio Food Bank won the award for the non-profit of the year. My friend, Matt Habash, who has run the foodbank for 26 years accepted the award and gave a nice speech--he is a really wonderful person who has made a huge difference in our community.
LImited Brands and the Limited Brands Foundation received the Foundation's philanthropy award and Les and Abigail Wexner were there to accept the award. Before they presented the award, the microphone was passed among the audience and over 25 people, mostly heads of local non-profits and cultural arts institutions that have received significant support from Limited Brands and the Wexners, personally thanked the Wexners on behalf of the thousands of people, particularly children, who have been touched by their generosity. Les and Abigale were visibly moved and wiped several tears from their eyes.
Then Mr. Wexner gave an amazing speech. Amazing in its "down to earthiness" and humbleness. He spoke for at least 15 minutes and spoke mainly about the generosity of the community and certain individuals who helped him when he was young and didn't have two dimes to rub together. He was profoundly influenced by John G. McCoy, the former president and ceo of Bank One, who mentored him and urged him to give back to the community in a significant way. Mr. Wexner fully subscribes to the philosophy that "we pass this way but once" and we must make the most of this one pass to make a difference. I grew up in Columbus and have lived here most of my 54 years. We are blessed with many community leaders who are passionate in their support of our community. But I can't think of anyone who has had any bolder impact than Mr. Wexner.
I was mesmerized by his speech. As he finished, there was a long pause then the crowd gave him a rousing ovation. I thanked him under my breath for all he's done and then slipped out the back door and onto my bike.
As I rode west on Broad, I remembered the story my friend Dave Baer, the proprietor of Baer Wheels bike shop in Clintonville, told me last year. Dave runs a small independent bike shop at Weber and High and works on my bikes, since it's on my way home. Dave is known as a great bike mechanic/engineer, but is a bit curmudgeonly. Last year, Dave volunteered to help on Pelotonia. He didn't expect to get any business out of it, but just wanted to support the new cycling event to benefit the James Cancer Hospital. Limited Brands was a significant sponsor last year. Dave told me that Les Wexner walked into his little "hole in the wall" bike shop last year and bought 2 bikes--Dave was flabergasted. (Mr. Wexner was going to ride, but broke his toe two days before the event.) My guess is he bought bikes from every shop that supported Pelotonia. I think that says a lot about the man--and our community.
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